"Enough. Say such things only in private. When the vice dean from Exotic Beast Academy arrives tomorrow, you must not utter a word of this."
Listening to the chatter around him, Bai He's face showed a trace of weariness.
Once, Bai He had been proud. An agility Spirit Master at rank 81, he was faster than certain Titled Douluo, the chief of one of the four famed single-attribute clans, his Family closely tied to the Clear Sky Sect's main line, and the uncle of the Clear Sky Douluo.
With those titles, Bai He had every right to be proud, every right to look down on everyone.
But after a certain incident, everything he prided in became arrows aimed at him, forcing him to sever ties with the Clear Sky Sect overnight and flee to the remote Dragon City.
Through years of barely keeping the Speed Clan alive, the pride on Bai He's shoulders had all but vanished.
Seeing his clansmen offer no useful counsel, Bai He waved them off to their tasks.
"What exactly does Exotic Beast Academy want, coming in person?"
"If they invite our youths to join again, should I agree?"
"If I agree, will my clansmen?"
After the last elders left, Bai He picked up the visit request Jiang Jing had delivered, his cloudy eyes drifting to the window as he weighed the Speed Clan's future… "Xiao Wu, I'm not taking you to the Speed Clan today; wait obediently at the inn."
The morning after arriving in Dragon City, Yu Yan—about to visit the Speed Clan—stroked Xiao Wu's head, planning to leave her behind.
Clan Chief Bai He was a Spirit Douluo above rank 80; Yu Yan couldn't be sure a Spirit Douluo wouldn't see through Xiao Wu's identity.
Better safe; let her stay at the inn.
"Fine, I can sleep in." Then, springing up: "And stop patting my head—I've heard it stunts growth. I'll outgrow you someday; don't sabotage my height plan."
Having learned from Vice Dean Jiang Jing that the Speed Clan chief was a Spirit Douluo, she'd been hunting an excuse to skip the visit.
Who knew Yu Yan would suggest leaving her behind before she could?
"Haha, deal. I won't ruin your height plan—may you tower over me one day."
Chuckling, Yu Yan stroked Spirit Cat Wu Xue once, then shut the door and left.
On the way, Jiang Jing briefed Yu Yan about the Speed Clan and the pitfalls of talking to them.
Speaking of those pitfalls, Jiang Jing couldn't help venting: pride and arrogance were a chronic disease etched into their bones; every second with them reeked of it.
Seven years ago, not yet vice dean, she had accompanied Exotic Beast Academy to recruit the Speed Clan and had come away furious.
Listening to Jiang Jing mimic their haughty tones, Yu Yan burst out laughing; her performance was priceless.
Approaching the Speed Clan estate, Jiang Jing instantly dropped the banter, donned an official mask, and strode toward the gate.
Up close, Yu Yan saw the Speed Clan's life was hard: the gate was dilapidated, clearly long unrepaired.
Yet even poverty couldn't hide the inexplicable arrogance radiating from the two middle-aged greeters.
"Vice Dean Jiang Jing of Exotic Beast Academy, rank-78 Spirit Saint, with student Yu Yan, pays respects to the Speed Clan."
Though she'd just mocked them, Jiang Jong now bowed and announced herself—proper etiquette for a visitor.
"Welcome, vice dean Jiang. The Clan Chief awaits in the hall; follow us."
The gate guards gave half-hearted salutes and ushered them inside.
Inside, Yu Yan saw even clearer signs of hardship—and an even clearer sense of baffling pride.
In the reception hall sat a tall, slender old man with white hair and a youthful face, sizing them up as if to pierce their secrets.
Those features plus the main seat marked him as Speed Clan Chief Bai He.
"Long time no see, Clan Chief Bai He; you're still as spry as ever."
Entering, Jiang Jing bowed in greeting.
"Indeed, it's been years. The girl who once followed vice dean Li is now vice dean herself—how time flies."
With a good memory, Bai He recalled the young woman behind the former vice dean.
Raising the past was his way of extending an olive branch, hoping for a lifeline for his clan.
"Clan Chief Bai He, I'm here because our new student wishes to propose a trade."
After brief pleasantries, Jiang Jing stated her purpose and presented Yu Yan.
"A mere brat wants to trade with our Speed Clan?"
Before Bai He could speak, an elder beside him slammed the table, voice trembling with outrage.
To his proud ears, a child proposing business was an insult.
They were the Speed Clan!
How dare this kid?
"Age has no bearing on business," Yu Yan replied coolly, then looked straight at Bai He: "I do have a deal I'd like to discuss privately. Whether it succeeds or fails, I'll pay five hundred gold coins for your time."
The Speed Clan was desperate, and Bai He a pragmatic man; Yu Yan leveraged both, naming the hefty fee outright.
Offering five hundred gold coins also served as proof of his capability.
"You—"
"Fifth Brother, enough! Exotic Beast Academy has come far to see us; mind your manners."
Angry now, Bai He slapped the table, scolded his fifth brother, then dismissed the clansmen on some pretext.
Once only Jiang Jing, Yu Yan, and Bai He remained, Bai He composed himself:
"Apologies for the scene. Young man, what business do you wish to discuss?"